The squad have not trained today because of their early flight, though they did complete a full session in Urca yesterday, with Manchester United striker Danny Welbeck and Arsenal midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the only absentees.

Welbeck, the player predicted to keep an eye on Italy playmaker Andrea Pirlo on Saturday, missed the open session after limping out of training on Tuesday.

Despite fears he might miss the game against Cesare Prandelli’s side, Wayne Rooney told reporters his United team-mate would be fit to play come Saturday.

'Danny will be fine and I'm sure he'll be ready for Saturday,' Rooney said. 'We have training on Friday and he'll be ready for Saturday I'm sure.'

Fighting fit: Danny Welbeck is expected to be cleared to play against Italy

Not just any suit... Roy Hodgson making his way onto the plane with his M&S suit in hand

Oxlade-Chamberlain, meanwhile, continued with an individual programme as he continues his rehabilitation from a medial knee ligament complaint.

After the training session in Urca, Rooney was joined by England captain Steven Gerrard in an ice bath – as they try to acclimatise with the heat and humidity in Brazil.

The United forward looked slightly less comfortable than Gerrard, with the latter posting a picture of the pair on his Instagram account.

He wrote: ‘Ice bath after training yesterday, two Scousers leading the way.’

Cool down: Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard take a bath together

Loading up: Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney chuck their stuff on the coach

Baggage drop: England players drop their suitcases as they head onto the coach

Young guns: Luke Shaw and Phil Jones preparing for the journey

Checking out: Gary Cahill leaves the Royal Tulip hotel to begin the long journey north